Less than a week away and I'll be warming up my little legs to race the Cross Vegas 2016 USAC category women's race. It's something I've been looking forward to since last year when I got into cyclocross and saw images of the madness and excitement that Cross Vegas is.

I'm flying over to Las Vegas on Monday with my loving, bike-obsessed partner (who is also racing) and I'm already starting to get pre-race nerves. The course sounds technical and hard, and I'm worried my legs just won't be as fast as the other women. I know I'm not racing elite UCI, but still, I don't want to be dropped or last.

I've been training with my new team each week, and I realize I should at least get a sand riding session in before I go on Monday. Sand, and also dismounts on an uphill grade. And dismounts in general. And remounts. Gosh, the list is getting long. I could practice all year and probably still feel as if there was something else for me to work on! #storyofmylife #constantimprovement

Being the organized self that I am, I have already started making a list of everything I need to pack in order to not forget anything. So long as the airport doesn't lose my luggage, I should be all set to race Wednesday. Do you need a packing list? You can download and print the list if you'd like, I've even added extra space for you to customize the list to your needs. Click here to download.

Race Travel Pack List

Ride-able

• Bike (kind of hard to go without it!)
• Spare tubes
• Tire levers
• Multi-tool
• Hand pump (assuming there will be many floor-standing pumps there)
• Grease for chain
• Bike lube
• Bike bag (rented or borrowed)
• Tools for assembling and dissembling the bike for transport

Wearable

• Helmet
• Racing kit
• Cycling cap
• Cycling gloves (full finger and half-finger, depending on weather)
• CX shoes
• Sunglasses (with clear and tinted lenses)
• Dope socks -- might need a new pair to match my new shoes!
• Rapha Chamois cream - my go to choice for keeping my bits + pieces happy
• Sunscreen
• Extra hair elastics
• Deodorant
• Change of clothes for post-race

Eatable

• Clif Bloks - Energy blocks in Black Cherry
• SKRATCH Labs electrolyte mix in Raspberry
• 2x water bottle
• Handful of protein bars and energy bars
• Post race recovery drink mix

Other

• Registration documents
• Garmin (and charge cord)
• UCI Licence
• Government ID
• US$ Cash
• Health care card
• Extended insurance card
• Camera
• Extra safety pins for race bib
• Baby wipes (redneck shower: to clean off sweat and chamois cream)

 Day of Race

There are a few rituals which I have developed for myself, and they seem to work for me. Obviously, race day rituals will be different for everyone.

Eat a Balanced Breakfast

I like to have some slow digesting carbs, lean protein and start getting the electrolytes into my body. Especially with the Vegas heat, fluids will be essential. I usually start the day with some oatmeal topped with fruit and nuts, and a protein drink. I love using XX milk chocolate protein powder; it blends in really well and doesn't have a sweet aftertaste.

Keep My Body Fuelled

I eat a lot more on the days leading up to the race than normal. On race day, I aim to keep my carbohydrate store stocked up, and I keep carb-loaded snacks with me to enjoy throughout the day. I make sure to give my body a bit of time to digest the last carb snack, 2 hours or so seems to work for me. I consume lots of water and electrolytes, so much so that I have to pee constantly.

Bike Check

Though I will have been on my bike the day before the race, I like to give it one last check over on the day of. This leaves time for surprises and fixes if something arises. I don't adjust my tire pressure until after I have checked out the course and have done a course pre-ride. A habit I've learned from my partner is giving my bike a good wipe down, to remove and dust, dirt or lingering crud...it's nice showing up to the race with a sparkling clean bike.

Pre-Race Check

• Kit on
• Number pinned
• Tire pressure checked
• Garmin on bike
• Any food/fuel I need in my pockets
• 1/2 hour warm up completed
• Know where the start-line is

 Well, these are all the things I make sure to go through before I get out to race. I find I'm always learning new tricks from other racers and team members, and from trial and error. What do you do to prepare before a race? Show me your pre-race prep via Instagram (@katrinnalouise) by using the hashtag #cxraceprep and I'll showcase my favourite ideas here on the blog.